The second-snowiest winter on record in the Sierra Nevada is making itself felt this summer, too. At Lake Tahoe, water levels are peaking now at more than five feet above the lake's natural rim—and three feet higher than during peak snow melt last year. The result: beaches have shrunk to a fraction of their normal size and in some cases disappeared altogether. But guess what? Fido doesn't care. The two of you can find plenty of dog-friendly shoreline to dip your paws in no matter what the lake level. Sturdy soles are a must, as most dog-friendly spots on the lakeshore are quite rocky.
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Well known dog-friendly beaches at Tahoe include Kiva Beach on the South Shore, the north end of Zephyr Cove Beach on the East Shore and Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach on the North Shore. Less visited are the stretch of pebbly shoreline across from Blackwood Canyon on the West Shore and Fido-friendly Patton Landing in Carnelian Bay.
On the Nevada side of the lake, you can pull off almost anywhere south of Incline Village and find a trail leading to a hidden cove with crystal-clear water and smoothly sculptured rocks. Parking is tightly regulated to deter crowds, so arrive early in the morning to snag your spot in the sun.
Posted 7/29/11